OSHA Issues Direct Final Rule on Crane and Derrick Safety Standards
On August 17, 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issues a direct final rule and notice of proposed rulemaking which applies the requirements of an August 2010 standard for cranes and derricks in construction to demolition work and underground construction.
This direct final rule corrects errors in the 2010 rulemaking and applies the same rules on cranes used in other construction sectors to those used in underground construction and demolition. The new wording of the rule makes the standards easier to understand and implement and applying the same standards for all sectors will make enforcement simpler and more efficient.
The direct final rule becomes effective on November 15, 2012 provided no significant adverse comment is received by September 17. Individuals can submit comments until September 17 in the following manner:
• By mail: OSHA Docket Office, Technical Data Center, Room N-2625, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20210
• By fax: (202) 693-1648
• Electronically at: http://www.regulations.gov , the Federal eRulemaking Portal
For more information on submitting comments see the Federal Register Notice at 77: 49741-49749 Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Demolition and Underground Construction [1926]. If significant adverse comments are received before September 17, a notice of proposed rulemaking will allow OSHA to withdraw the direct final rule and continue the notice-and-comment component of the rulemaking.
For more information and details on the direct final rule see Federal Register # 77: 49741-49749 Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Demolition and Underground Construction [1926] .